Crucible of Gold by Naomi Novik
Mar. 11th, 2012 10:18 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
roginJust finished the last Temeraire book and it went down like butter."Tongues of Serpents" was ok, but at times it dragged and I felt right after the amazing "Victory of Eagles" there was too little happening for my taste.
Serves to say that "Crucible of Gold" makes up for everything. I could not put it down and was hooked from the first to the last page, the only bad thing being that the next book is not yet written.
I loved the bits about Emily Roland and just how awkward Laurence always gets where she is concerned (especially her and Demane). I liked that she already had the sense to see that something like marriage does not really make any sense for her. I would have liked to know more of what she was actually doing with Mrs. Pemberton. She turned out to be competent and after all helped them a lot with the Sapa Inca.
It was also fun to see Hammond again and all his handwringing at all his diplomacy being so boycotted by the circumstances (and everyone else in the party). It's good that Laurence has come more to terms with his role as a wild card and is set on finding his own honourable way instead of hoping for someone who will give him sensible orders.
The Allegiance going down after the storm on the way to brazil was horrible, but I thought it was quite a good move that she did not actually sink during the storm but due to incompetent crew after. I like it how Naomi Novik never makes the moral questions easy on her characters.
Especially after they try to abduct Demane on the island I kinda just wanted to see the sailors all killed which later on makes it so tempting to sell them all to the Inca for much needed goods to get to Brazil, which is of course upside down. Their intention is to free the African slaves and stop a war between the Portuguese and the Tswana and in the process they sell their own to the Inca dragons, even if they practice a kinder form of slavery. I can see why it is tempting and impossible at once.
The top of the whole thing was of course Iskierka running the negotiations and her and the meanwhile completely coca addicted Hammond trying to marry off poor Granby to the Inca queen. It was so nice how Granby officially outed himself to Laurence. Poor guy really went through a lot in the book but it really was time for him to grow and it was great to see him finally standing up to Iskierka about the hook. Had to lose a hand to her vanity but if he finally manages to get some say in his own life again that was probably worth it.
Also liked how it was mirrored by Laurence' relationship with authority. He did not waste a moment in Brazil trying to please everybody but did the right thing right away.
And of course Temeraire and Iskierka trying for an egg. I think Lien is probably right about them only being able to breed with other celestials but it would be fun if he and Iskierka managed.
Also loved Gong Su's reveal. Makes so much more sense now under what circumstances he still stayed with Laurence and I can't wait to find out what the Chinese are up to. I'm really glad she writes so speedily.
Serves to say that "Crucible of Gold" makes up for everything. I could not put it down and was hooked from the first to the last page, the only bad thing being that the next book is not yet written.
I loved the bits about Emily Roland and just how awkward Laurence always gets where she is concerned (especially her and Demane). I liked that she already had the sense to see that something like marriage does not really make any sense for her. I would have liked to know more of what she was actually doing with Mrs. Pemberton. She turned out to be competent and after all helped them a lot with the Sapa Inca.
It was also fun to see Hammond again and all his handwringing at all his diplomacy being so boycotted by the circumstances (and everyone else in the party). It's good that Laurence has come more to terms with his role as a wild card and is set on finding his own honourable way instead of hoping for someone who will give him sensible orders.
The Allegiance going down after the storm on the way to brazil was horrible, but I thought it was quite a good move that she did not actually sink during the storm but due to incompetent crew after. I like it how Naomi Novik never makes the moral questions easy on her characters.
Especially after they try to abduct Demane on the island I kinda just wanted to see the sailors all killed which later on makes it so tempting to sell them all to the Inca for much needed goods to get to Brazil, which is of course upside down. Their intention is to free the African slaves and stop a war between the Portuguese and the Tswana and in the process they sell their own to the Inca dragons, even if they practice a kinder form of slavery. I can see why it is tempting and impossible at once.
The top of the whole thing was of course Iskierka running the negotiations and her and the meanwhile completely coca addicted Hammond trying to marry off poor Granby to the Inca queen. It was so nice how Granby officially outed himself to Laurence. Poor guy really went through a lot in the book but it really was time for him to grow and it was great to see him finally standing up to Iskierka about the hook. Had to lose a hand to her vanity but if he finally manages to get some say in his own life again that was probably worth it.
Also liked how it was mirrored by Laurence' relationship with authority. He did not waste a moment in Brazil trying to please everybody but did the right thing right away.
And of course Temeraire and Iskierka trying for an egg. I think Lien is probably right about them only being able to breed with other celestials but it would be fun if he and Iskierka managed.
Also loved Gong Su's reveal. Makes so much more sense now under what circumstances he still stayed with Laurence and I can't wait to find out what the Chinese are up to. I'm really glad she writes so speedily.